Saints add Mitchell to Academy ranks

Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated teenage prospect Ramello Mitchell on an Academy scholarship.

The 16-year-old moves to Saints from Birmingham City, with the club having secured his signature ahead of interest from a range of leading Premier League sides.

A powerful, quick and intelligent forward who has already blossomed into a prolific scorer at youth level, Mitchell will now continue his development under the guidance of Southampton’s Professional Development Phase coaches at Staplewood Campus.

Mitchell has been closely followed by the club’s recruitment staff, and he represents another fine addition to the Academy set-up, which will provide him with the ideal environment to maximise his potential.

Ramello Mitchell said: “I’m really pleased. It's a lovely club. I want to try my best here and do what I can do.

“Ever since I was young I've always wanted to play football. I haven't had another focus, it's my dream.

“Straight away, when I looked at the club there was a friendly feeling. It seemed like the right place for me to progress as a footballer, and go on with my journey.

“The club have produced world class players; players who you aspire to be like. I really believe I could be one of those players.“

Director of Football Operations Ross Wilson said: “As part of a change to our Academy recruitment strategy a few years ago, we have worked to build a plan for the identification and acquisition of some elite talents from outside of our normal southern footprint, both nationally and from specific parts of Europe.

“While producing young talents who have been with us from an early age remains a key pillar of our Academy, we must also ensure we are open-minded in acquiring players in the older Professional Development Phase.

"This approach has been behind the recruitment of the likes of Yan Valery, Michael Obafemi, Enzo Robise, Allan Tchaptchet and our current Academy Player of the Year, Will Ferry. Ramello is another example of that and a player with huge potential, and we are delighted to add him to our ranks."